"Self Reliance" Reflection

Emerson believes that every person should an individual in their society. But how can they define that role? Plain and simple: to stick to your opinions and form your own interests.

On page 25 of Self Reliance, Emerson writes:

"Act singly, and what you have already done singly will justify you now."

Do things for yourself! It isn't necessary to act a certain way to please others. While this sounds like a pamphlet you'll see in a psychiatrist's office or an advisory speech on the first day of school, it is a simple solution to an intertwining problem. The reason we are so successful as a country is because everyone appreciates and uses the liberty of having their own personal beliefs.

But now, it's time to define society. Is it inclusive of the neighborhood you live in? The group you hang out with after school? It's both, none and everything. According to Emerson, on page 21:

"Society everywhere is the conspiracy against the manhood of every one of its members. Society is a joint-stock company, in which the members agree, for the better securing of his bread to each shareholder, to surrender the liberty and culture of the eater."

This quote is saying that a society is any group of people who join together because of similarities in their opinions, interests or likelihoods. Most likely, conformity will occur because members of a society tend to act like other members, thus losing part of what they believe in.

It is important to examine what a society and what an individual is because one is formed and one is molded; two seemingly same actions, but one is uncontrollable and one is easily controlled. It is up to us to maintain our individualistic selves when confronted with the possibility to conform.

"Obama implores minister to call off Quran-burning" - Response

First thought: publicity stunt. There's no other word for this event but that. And apparently the president thinks so too:

Obama told ABC's "Good Morning America" in an interview aired today that he hoped the Rev. Terry Jones of Gainesville, Fla., would listen to the pleas of people who have asked him to call off the plan. The president called it a "stunt."

So why hasn't more action been taken to stop it? Even though it's more like an on again, off again kind of thing with "he said! she said!" conflicts, I feel like everyone is watching the drama go down instead of stepping in between the feuding couple, aka the White House and the small town Florida church.

Of course I'm against it. I mean, how could you call yourself an American and not be? If anyone supported this I could only imagine it being that way because they live a sheltered life or want publicity themselves. My prediction? It won't actually happen. There will be so much press and coverage over something that's all talk and no action. Don't get me wrong, I hope it ends up that way. But I would rather have the press cover the memorials and remembrance services that are happening that day.

Thursday, 9/2 - Journal Entry Summary

"They were human and imperfect; each had his falws and failings. Jefferson made the point in the very first line of the Declaration of Independence: 'When in the course of human events...' The key word is human."

I believe that there was a common theme in all three of the readings from last night, and that would be sacrifice. Throughout the revolutionary war people lost things that were priceless to them, whether that was their fortune, their money or their personal dignity. Every single signer of the declaration of independence faced horrible fates. Women and slaves faught Great Britain rule as well but their efforts were, for the most part, ignored. Soldiers faught for little or no money only to freeze in the cold. And why? Because each person made freedom and liberty their number one priority. It reminds me of the American Ideology readings. Thre reason there is no American pride is because we have nothing left to fight for and want that badly. However, if it wasn't for all the sacrifices they made back then, there wouldn't be anything to be grateful for now.

Response to the American Crisis

"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection."

Immediately the above quote stuck out to me when reading this piece. Thomas Paine wrote "The American Crisis" in December 1776, a mere six months after the Declaration of Independence. Newly-free America is unsure what path to take. Paine talks about how tyranny still exists even if a king does not. He also mentions how unlimited power can only belong to God.

With the purpose to rouse dejected troups, this essay was read. Yeah sure, times are hard and trying, but getting through this can only make a country smaller. Referring to the quote above, the only way for a man to be successful in this country is to put on a brave face. Basically, suck it up now and all your effort will be rewarded. The only way to move onward and upward is to push through unforgiving events no matter how defeated one may feel.

When picturing this speech being given, I see a coach talking to a disgruntled team at halftime. They're down a few points and they're starting to lose steam and motivation. But if they just continue to fight for what they want more than anything, which is to win, they'll be rewarded and the victory is all theirs. But if they give up now, they'll always be in second. Not third, but not reaching full potential.